Category: News from the Grand Lodge

The Masonic Temple currently has elevator problems and repairs will not be complete prior to the scheduled stated session. The stated meeting for the Grand Lodge as well as the school will be held at the Scottish Rite Temple located at 406 Capitol street. Parking is available in the City Parking Building on Summers street (1 Block from the Temple). Times will be the same for the school of instruction as well as the meeting.

Each Mason, in our Grand Jurisdiction, is concerned about the rapid decline in our membership over these many years. We hear these concerns in our conversations both in and out of the Lodge. One of the most telling of these concerns is noted on many of the District Deputy Grand Master reports from practically every Lodge. We see and hear these comments such as, “we need more members”, or “we need better attendance”. Why is it we voice these concerns yet nothing is ever done about it. If you notice a brother not attending, find out why. Visit or call him. Yes, electronic messaging could be used but the personal touch, speaking to him directly, just seems to work better. We cannot wring our hands and worry about our Lodges and expect something to happen, it won’t, unless you make it happen. One cannot expect members to attend when all you do is open, read the minutes and close. A Lodge must have a planned program. Education must be a part of your Lodge meeting agenda. You program must be such that it causes your members to enjoy the meeting and in the process learn something about Masonry they not have know. Make sure your program includes time before and after Lodge for the fellowship we enjoy so much. Each Lodge should appoint several brothers to meet and determine the Lodge needs. They should list the needs and select those that would be most effective and recommend them to the Worshipful Master and to the Lodge, with a path to make them work. Then again, don’t wait to be appointed. Ask the Worshipful Master if you can help. Every Mason in every Lodge has the responsibility to help his Lodge grow and prosper.

-Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when we have trouble remembering how to fly.

-Memories give us snow in July and roses in December.

-Learning is not knowing the what but understanding the why.

-Our limitations are only in our minds.

-People may not remember exactly what you did or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel.

-Not only did we take an obligation but we have an obligation to preserve this great organization as our forefathers intended and not to bow to the whim’s of a few misguide would-be- experts who try to make changes without guidance.

-I love to hear someone point out the faults of Masonry, we are in the presence of a mastermind. Generations of philosophers have made Masonry what it is today. When a Brother can plalnly see all it’s faults; he is greater than all of these.

-Place your hand in a bucket of water the take your hand out — the hole you leave will show how much you will be missed.

-May the fleas of a thousand camels infest the person who screws up your day and may their arms be too short to scratch. (not Masonic, but good) Brethren, some of these are light in nature, while others we should remember often.

I challenge you to think about what it will take to improve your lodge.

When you have several things you want to do, then challenge your members to help make it happen.